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The Ford 289 Engine Vs the Chevy 350

January 27, 2012

The Ford 289 engine and Chevy 350 engine represent two of the most famous engines produced by American automakers. Manufactured for many years, and used in numerous cars, trucks and even marine applications, these engines replaced the older American big block engines. Routine oil changes, filter changes and tune-ups are generally all that is required to keep these engines in optimal running condition.

Ford 289 Engine

Ford's 289 cubic inch 4.7 liter engine was originally introduced in 1962 and used in a variety of full-size and performance Ford vehicles, including the Ford Falcon. The Ford 289 engine is a 90-degree V8 OHV cast-iron small block that originally had a horsepower rating of 195 for the two-barrel carburetor, and 210 horsepower for the four-barrel carburetor version. The two-barrel version was used as the base engine for numerous Ford vehicles until 1968. A 271 horsepower, high-performance version became available in 1963 for certain Ford Fairlane and Mercury Comet models. In 1964, the Ford 289 engine became an option for the Ford Mustang. In 1965, Carroll Shelby adapted the Ford 289 for use in the GT350, and horsepower was again increased to 306 over the stock 271 by use of a modified exhaust, intake manifold and carburetor. For the 1966 through 1968 model years, a Shelby designed supercharger was optional on the Ford 289 engine, increasing horsepower to 390. Variations of the Ford 289 engine continued to be available in certain vehicles until 2001, when it was phased out in favor of Ford's more modern 4.6 liter V8; however, the Ford 289 engine continues to be available as a crate engine.

Chevy 350 Engine

The award winning Chevrolet 350 engine is one of the most enduring small-block engines manufactured by General Motors. The Chevy 350 was first manufactured in 1955 as a 265 cubic inch 4.3-liter engine, producing 165 horsepower when fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor. By 1967, it had grown into the now famous 5.7 liter 350 cubic inch version widely used in an array of General Motors vehicles. In 1967 the high-performance 295 horsepower Chevy 350 was an option for the Chevrolet Camaro, and in 1968 was made available as an option for the Chevrolet Nova. In 1969, the Chevy 350 was available as an option for most Chevrolet models, including the Corvette and Impala. Many variations of this engine were utilized throughout the years with a horsepower range of 145 to 370. Two-barrel and four-barrel carburetors were used initially, followed by mechanical fuel injection and later electronic fuel injection. In the 1990s, the Chevy 350 was used in most full-sized General Motors cars including the Buick Roadmaster, Cadillac Brougham, Chevrolet Caprice and numerous General Motors trucks. The Chevy 350 was discontinued in 2004 after being replaced by more fuel-efficient variants. General Motors still manufactures the Chevy 350 as a crate engine at their plant in Mexico.

Used in everything from muscle cars to station wagons, the Ford 289 and the Chevy 350 engines were some of the first small-block V8s available. Producing effortless torque and in high-performance versions, incredible power, these engines became favorites of car owners all over the world because of their dependability, quality and easy maintenance.